Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix (Healthy Taco Seasoning Recipe) is a great substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. Easy to make and all-natural ingredients.
Takes less than 5 minutes. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for later! A low carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, keto taco seasoning recipe.
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Why You'll Love Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix (Healthy Taco Seasoning Recipe)
"I have been making this recipe for years as it is super simple, healthier, and cheaper. I love that I know that I am putting real ingredients in my family's food." -Kori
Natural Ingredients
Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a taco seasoning packet? I am staring at a packet that I have had in my pantry for probably as long as I have come up with this recipe.It is an omen. I must have kept it long enough so I could read off the ingredients to you. 🙂
Here are the ingredients as they are listed on the back of my packet:
Whey onion, modified corn starch, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, natural flavors with oleoresin paprika (for color), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), spices including chili pepper, caramel color (contains sodium bisulfite), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.
I had to look up disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate and they are similar to MSG and can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. I am actually allergic MSG so I'm glad I looked this up.
Do you really want to eat this stuff? You don't need to anymore...
Low Carb, Gluten-free, Sugar-Free, Keto Taco Seasoning Recipe
Due to some health concerns of mine, my husband and I recently started following a keto diet. Because my original version of the taco mix has corn starch and sugar, I played around with substitutions until I came up with a sugar-free and cornstarch (carb) free option.
I'm so excited because it literally tastes that same as the original version! Voila! a keto taco seasoning recipe was born! 🙂
Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe below 🙂
- Chili Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Granulated Sugar Substitute or Regular Sugar
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt (My Favorite Salt!)
- Pepper
Tools
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container (if keeping a pre-made stash in your pantry)
How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix
Each recipe makes the equivalent to one taco seasoning packet. I often triple or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container to have on hand. When you go to make the recipe you would use approximately 4 tablespoons of the mixture.
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and store in an airtight container for later use. (See image 1 to 3)
Note: This version is mild, but you can definitely add cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Actually feel free to play around with any of the seasoning quantities to your liking.
How To Make Taco Meat
To make taco meat, brown 1 lb ground beef, then add seasoning along with 3/4 cup of water. Cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Usually, this process takes about 5 to 10 minutes on medium-high. (See image 4)
📋 Recipe
Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix
This copycat taco seasoning mix tastes better than the real thing. The best part - it's super easy and you know what ingredients are going in your food! If you are on a low-carb, gluten free, sugar free, paleo, or keto diet see appropriate substitutions in parenthesis. You will not notice a difference by making these substitutions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or substitute 1 tsp. stevia or 2 tsp. erythritol
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your liking
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Optional thickener: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon xantham gum
Instructions
Taco Seasoning Mix
- In a bowl combine all ingredients. Each recipe is equivalent to 1 package of taco seasoning mix you would buy in the store.
- Store in an airtight container for later use or following instructions below to make taco meat.
Taco Meat
- To make taco meat: brown 1 lb. ground beef (drained), add taco seasoning mix, and 3/4 cup of water. (Note you can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, or pork)
- Over medium-high heat, cook until liquid is reduced and meat mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
- Use 1 recipe of taco seasoning for every 1 lb of ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or pork)
- Note: this is a mild taco seasoning. Add cayenne pepper to increase heat to your liking. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 13Total Fat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 334mgCarbohydrates: 2.6gNet Carbohydrates: 1.4gFiber: 1.2gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 0.5g
DISCLAIMER: Any changes to this recipe could change the nutrition facts. Nutrition facts are provided as a reference only and are calculated to the best of our ability using Nutritionix. If you are concerned, always calculate your own nutritional analysis. The information provided on Seeking Good Eats is for informational use only and we are not liable for how that information is used. The information provided by Seeking Good Eats is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
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Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix (Healthy Taco Seasoning Recipe) is a great substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. Great seasoning mix for your next Mexican recipe adventure. A low carb, gluten-free, keto taco seasoning recipe. #tacoseasoning #mexican #seasoningmix #healthyrecipe #lowcarb #keto #tacobellseasoning #spices #tacos #glutenfree #whole #sugarfree
Symantha Bonham says
I cannot wait to make this!! What is xantham gum? And where do I purchase it?
seekinggoodeats says
Oh great! Be sure to make extra and store some for later! 🙂 Xanthan gum is a gluten-free keto-friendly thickener. A little goes a long way. Usually you won't need more than 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in a recipe. I get it from Amazon, here's the link: xanthan gum
Elizabeth says
My sister is making this tonight. Looking forward to tasting it!
Xylitol is another sugar sub and is sweeter than
Erythritol.
Tibby says
So I use this whole recipe for 1 pound of beef?! Over 4 tablespoons of seasoning seems like a ton!! LOL
seekinggoodeats says
Hello! Yep. 1 recipe for every pound of ground beef! 🙂
Tibby says
Thank you😊
seekinggoodeats says
You are welcome 🙂 Have a good day
Debbie Knudslien says
Do you drain the ground beef before adding the seasoning, or just use that added fat for more flavor?
seekinggoodeats says
You can do either! 🙂 I typically don't drain it but I am following a keto diet. It does add more flavor. If you're following a lower-fat diet you can certainly drain the fat.
Janell Brown says
This is very good. I used this tonight in my chicken and pineapple quesadillas and it was delicious! I used 1 1/2 Tbsp for 5 chopped small chicken breast tenderloins. I saved the rest to use later. Don't think I will ever buy taco seasoning again. Thank you.
Kori says
Oh, that sounds just amazing and delicious!! Thank you for giving the recipe a try. I am definitely making chicken and pineapple quesadillas!! Great idea! 🙂